Traffic Engineer

Traffic Engineer

Job Sector:

Transportation

Potential Salary (USD):

Low End: $70,000.00 /yr
Avg/Med: $100,000.00 /yr
High End: $150,000.00 /yr

Education Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Professional Engineer license

Job Outlook:

The demand for Traffic Engineers is expected to grow in Canada and the US in more densely populated areas, such as California, Texas, and Ontario, which involve lots of travel by road.

Career Profile Overview:

Traffic engineers design transportation systems on the ground and evaluate the flow or capacity of traffic on a road. They also identify signage needs on the road, working collaboratively on construction projects to reduce the effect of traffic on existing roads. They use physical tools and digital simulations to study traffic and find ways to fix problems like jams and crashes.

A computer screen displaying 3D modeling software with the words "Compositing", "Tracking Axis", "Up Axis", and "Parent" visible. The software interface includes various graphical elements and numerical values.
A bright orange safety vest with reflective stripes.
A person sitting at a computer reviewing a road filled with vehicles

Design Review and Standards Compliance:

Evaluating and providing feedback on transportation infrastructure designs to ensure they meet required safety and engineering standards.

Transportation Studies and Planning:

Contributing to and reviewing various transportation studies, including traffic, transit, and environmental assessments, to inform project development.

Traffic Management and Construction Coordination:

Overseeing traffic management plans during construction, coordinating road closures, and ensuring safe pedestrian and vehicle movement.

Traffic Signal and System Optimization:

Reviewing and modifying traffic signal timing and coordinating the installation of new traffic signals and related systems.

Public Communication and Problem Solving:

Addressing public inquiries and complaints, developing innovative solutions to transportation challenges, and representing the division in public forums.

Educational Path:

  • High School: Courses in physics, math, and mechanical skills are beneficial.
  • Postsecondary: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Advanced Degrees: Master’s or Doctorate degrees in a related engineering discipline may be required for specialized roles.

Certifications:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • In Canada, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification may be required.

Entry-Level:

  • Traffic Engineering Intern/Assistant Traffic Engineer: Collecting traffic data (e.g., traffic counts), assisting with traffic signal timing studies, and preparing basic traffic engineering drawings using CAD software.
  • Transportation Engineering Technician: Responsible for maintaining traffic signal equipment or assisting in the implementation of traffic control plans.
  • Junior Traffic Engineer: Work under the supervision of senior engineers and begin to do design work and data analysis before an engineering certification.

Mid-Level

  • Traffic Engineer: Lead traffic impact studies, develop traffic management plans for construction zones, and design traffic signal systems.
  • Project Traffic Engineer: Managing traffic engineering projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with other team members.
  • Traffic Signal Engineer: Focus on the design and implementation of traffic signal systems and the optimization of traffic flow through signal timing.

Senior-Level

  • Senior Traffic Engineer/Traffic Engineering Manager: Leading teams of engineers, overseeing complex traffic engineering projects, and providing technical expertise.
  • Principal Traffic Engineer: Strategic direction for traffic engineering projects and initiatives.
  • Director of Transportation/Traffic Engineering: Responsible for the entire traffic engineering division of a company, or governmental entity.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and national traffic standards.
  • Understanding of human factors design practices.
  • Knowledge of highway planning, design, highway construction and maintenance practices.
  • Strong mathematical skills in probability and statistical analysis and financial and risk analysis.
  • Strong written communication skills to prepare engineering reports, design proposals and management briefings.
  • Presentation skills to present design options and represent the Ministry as an expert witness in formal hearings.

United States:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Massachusetts)

Standford University (California)

Georgia Tech (Georgia)

Canada:

University of Toronto (Ontario)

University of British Columbia (British Columbia)

  • Program: Undergraduate Degree in Transportation Engineering
  • Website: UBC

University of Alberta (Alberta)

An aerial nighttime view of a complex highway interchange with multiple overpasses and roads illuminated by streetlights, showing long exposure light trails from moving vehicles.
A woman standing outdoors using a radio while wearing a hardhat
A woman sitting at a computer reviewing traffic congestion models

Resources and Further Reading: